Washington (CNN) - Which House Democrats are most vulnerable to losing their jobs heading into the 2012 elections? On Thursday, a key Democratic campaign group released its initial list of names.

One of them on the list: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
The Arizona lawmaker continues to recover from an assassination attempt during the January 8 Tucson shooting nightmare. Some two months before the shooting spree, Giffords won her re-election race by just two-percent of the votes. The list from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee apparently acknowledges that, despite the tragedy, Giffords could still face a tough re-election bid.

The DCCC helps elect Democrats to the House and helps lawmakers keep their seats. Those on its list comprise the group's Frontline program.

In addition to Giffords, the DCCC believes that 14 other Democrats could have a tough time getting re-elected. All the others on the list also eked out close 2010 re-election wins.

Missouri Rep. Russ Carnahan held on to his seat by just two-percentage points, as did the incumbent Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Critz.

The re-election margins were even slimmer for other Democratic incumbents who are listed as vulnerable for 2012: Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly kept his job by just 920 votes; Kentucky Rep. Ben Chandler was re-elected by just 600 votes; and New York Rep. Tim Bishop barely held on to his seat, beating the Republican challenger by just a 235-votes.

"In November, voters sent a clear message: focus on the economy and get Americans back to work. Our Members are hard at work doing just that – representing their districts, standing up for the middle class and working to create jobs," DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said in a statement.

"The 15 Frontline Members are battle tested and survived tough re-elections to return to Congress," he added. Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will lead the Frontline program.

Democrats who become members of the effort must pledge to meet aggressive fundraising goals as well as amp up their person-to-person and online outreach efforts.

The GOP group that helps elect Republicans to the House – the National Republican Congressional Committee – distributed an email to reporters on Thursday regarding the DCCC effort.

"Yes, this is the same vaunted program that had a 74% loss rate in 2010," the email stated.

soundoff(7 Responses)

Glenn Koons

The DNC is probably listing Gabby for ""sentimental""' reasons to raise money for national House races. The facts are, the Dems do not deserve re-election on the issues. Now in safe Dem districts, they will get re-elected. But in purple or even red districts, all of them should lose because of their horrid domestic and foreign policy legislation and beliefs.

March 3, 2011 12:52 pm at 12:52 pm |

mf

Yes the republicans won so many seats because of they bully the public with their lies they never talk the facts. they are heartless and only want power. Actually I am a democrat but i want the republicans to win the senate and the white house and then slowly watch the country go to dogs. WATCH MY WORDS. The middle class and poor people should leave america as there is no future for them any more.

March 3, 2011 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

ConservaFascists/F.U.B.A.R.

I think Rep. Giffords doesn't have to worry about getting re-elected. She'll be pulling in campaign cash from all over the country. However, Arizona has passed some radical laws regarding gun control and immigration. Their governor is seeking all of the national media she can get. It doesn't look good when Pema County wants to secede from the state.

March 3, 2011 12:59 pm at 12:59 pm |

DemoCommunists for a Better Way - Bankruptcy

"Yes, this is the same vaunted program that had a 74% loss rate in 2010," the email stated.
Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will lead the Frontline program.
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Given the leftist loonie Wasserman is running this I'm sure that 100% loss rate is entirely within reach. The Democrats just have NOT gotten the message as they continue to fight cuts to goverment spending and want to spend, or is it "invest", more and more. I can hardly wait until 2012 when even more Democrats get tossed out of office.

March 3, 2011 01:18 pm at 1:18 pm |

DIANA

After America sees what the Republicans are doing, it should be easy in 2012 for the Democrats.

March 3, 2011 01:41 pm at 1:41 pm |

Gaylon Barrow

This is what the Democrats are all about. If they can't use you your out the door. They ought to be ashamed. But with Giffords out of the way it will make room for another muslim flapping lips.

March 3, 2011 01:43 pm at 1:43 pm |

Inmyopinion

I think for Giffords it all depends on how quickly she gets back to her office and begins to fulfill, carries out her duties, her staff can only carry out their office duties but not Giffords duties. Unfortunately, even at this very moment Giffords is needed back to work and if she can't get back to work soon there is no alternative but to replace her.

As for the other representatives, they continue to want to spend tax dollars such as in Union fees, high pension plans for government workers, expensive benefits to government workers and expecting the private sector and businesses to pay for it via higher taxes yet they claim to be standing up for the middle class and working on creating jobs. To many it looks like they are showing favoritism.